40+ Jamaican Recipes You Need To Try!
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40+ Jamaican Recipes You Need To Try!
If you love Jamaican food like I do, you've definitely come to the right place! My collection of 40+ Jamaican Recipes You Need To Try are mouthwatering + easy recipes that will transport you to the islands with the bold and irresistible flavors that celebrate the essence of Jamaica. Vegan, Dairy-free + Gluten-free options.
Jamaican Recipes Roundup
Welcome to a world of sizzling spices and vibrant flavors --- Jamaican food is a treasure trove of unique, wondrous, and fiery tastes that will leave you craving for more. Just imagine sinking your teeth into the succulent goodness of Jerk Chicken or indulging in the sweet pleasures of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
In my handpicked collection of 40+ Jamaican Recipes You Need To Try! I'm bringing these incredible flavors like homemade jerk seasoning right to your kitchen. And what's a Jamaican food feast without a few traditional drink sips to go with it all?
Plus I've sprinkled in some unique twists that take these beloved classics to new heights of flavor. Before you dive into cooking, make sure to check out my list of 10 must-have ingredients for crafting genuine Jamaican dishes.
Jump to:
40+ Jamaican Recipes You Need To Try!
Picture this:
A tantalizing array of delicious Jamaican food recipes packed with spices--Complete with a few healthy twists alongside the classics.
Let's kick things off with some savory goodness!
1. Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
Let's get started with a tried and true classic! A real nostalgic comfort food dish for many Jamaicans. Completely Dairy-free + Gluten-free option.
2. Spicy Jamaican Beef Patties
A true family favorite that is easy to make! Freezer-friendly + Vegan Option.
3. Vegan Jamaican Stew Peas
This bowl of goodness is completely creamy and savory. A kick of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spiciness--- best served with white rice or alone as a soup/stew. Entirely Vegan + Gluten-free.
4. Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
These wings are seasoned to perfection and boast of a nicely juicy center. The perfect appetizer or main meat that can be served with your favorite sides! Dairy-free option.
5. Vegan Jamaican Jerk Walnut Tacos
These little tacos have so much flavor and are a great meatless alternative for lunch or dinner. It's the ultimate vegan taco recipe! Gluten-free option.
6. Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings
This meal brings all the homey, cozy aromas that fill the house--- promising a flavor explosion in JUST one pot! Gluten-free + Less spicy option.
7. Plant-based Jamaican Oxtail
Made with a marinated jackfruit base, this dish is the perfect melt-in-your-mouth, tender, jam-packed with flavor lunch or dinner option for the entire family. Slow cooker option.
8. Vegan Jamaican Beef Patties
Wrapped in nicely buttery, curry + herb-infused, flaky crust, and stuffed entirely with a vegan 'meaty' filling. Gluten-free Option.
9. My Hubby's Favorite Jamaican Fried Dumplings
This recipe promises crispy golden exteriors and soft, fluffy insides. Perfect as a side or snack! Gluten-free Option
10. Vegan Jamaican Ackee + Saltfish
A plant-based twist on a beloved classic. Tender jackfruit is perfectly seasoned to mimic the taste + texture of traditional saltfish, while creamy ackee fruit adds a delightful richness to every bite. Dairy-free + Gluten-free.
11. Creamy Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Make a simple and comforting one-pot weeknight dinner that comes enriched with spicy jerk flavors, bell peppers, and a thick, cheesy sauce----much like the traditional version. Dairy-free, Vegan, and Gluten-free options.
12. Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza
One of the best versions of pizza where taking a traditional staple like jerk chicken and using it to re-create something phenomenal for the entire family. Perfect for any lunch or dinner, especially during weeknights. Gluten-Free option.
13. Vegan Jamaican Power Bowl
Absolutely comforting, easy to make, and the perfect dairy-free + meatless weeknight meal option that comes full of nutrients.
14. Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad
It's just the thing that you need for any season! It's a bright and refreshing salad for the whole family! Entirely dairy-free + gluten-free. Make ahead option.
15. Air Fryer Jamaican Jerk Potato Wedges
Imagine a crispy exterior that gives way to a heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth center that comes fully coated in a spicy, spicy dry rub which elevates your eating experience. All Vegan + Gluten-free. With an oven-baked option.
16. Weeknight Jamaican Curry Chicken + Gnocchi
With a fragrant blend of spices and tender shredded chicken and gnocchi. This dish is sure to be your newest family staple. Completely Dairy-free. Meatless + Gluten-free options.
17. Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup
A great weeknight option or weekend addition--this soup boasts of it’s major flavor factor and comes loaded with chicken, carrots, onions, garlic, potatoes, corn, dumplings, seasonings + herbs, and chicken broth. Slow Cooker + Gluten-Free options.
18. Jamaican Spicy 'Pepper' Shrimp
This shrimp is smothered in a spicy scotch bonnet seasoning + base, with hints of butteriness, and is perfect when eaten by itself or with your favorite simple side.
19. Jerk Salmon Tacos + Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce
Packed with bold, spicy, + savory Jamaican flavors–this recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser and is finger-licking goodness on a plate. Gluten-free + Make ahead options.
20. Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Brimming with the true flavors of the Caribbean and the essence of the islands. Gluten-free!
21. Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta
Loaded with tender shrimp and vibrant veggies, it brings a taste of the Caribbean straight to your table. Dairy-free + Vegan options.
22. Vegan BBQ Jerk Jackfruit Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Packed with smoky BBQ jackfruit, spicy chipotle, and zesty jerk seasoning, it's a bowlful of deliciousness that'll leave you feeling fully satisfied. Completely Vegan + Gluten-free.
23. Jamaican Rice + Peas
Packed with creamy coconut milk, fragrant spices, and tender red beans, it's a dish bursting with Caribbean flavor. Totally Gluten-free + Dairy-free Option.
24. BBQ Jerk Lobster and Garlic Herb Orzo
This recipe promises a fusion of smoky, spicy flavors from the BBQ jerk seasoning, perfectly complementing the succulent lobster, all served alongside a bed of flavorful garlicky herb orzo. Gluten-free + Dairy-free option.
25. Weeknight Jerk Chicken + Broccoli Stuffed Shells
Imagine creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese stuffed into pasta shells, combined with slightly spicy jerk chicken, all smothered in a savory, herby tomato sauce, and baked to golden perfection. Gluten-free option.
26. Jamaican Immune-Boosting Green Veggie Swamp Soup
Get ready to elevate your soup game with this vibrant and nourishing recipe! Completely Dairy-free + Freezer-friendly. Gluten-free + Vegan Option.
27. BBQ Jerk Salmon Burgers
These burgers are perfectly jam-packed with bold flavors and can easily be turned into sliders for a gathering or Game day celebration! Gluten-free option.
Jamaican Sweet Delights + Sips
To put the finishing touch on this Jamaican food lineup, how could I ever forget about the mouthwatering sweet treats? And, of course, we can't leave out a selection of traditional sips to enjoy alongside all the deliciousness!
28. Creamy Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
A rendition of the delicious traditional Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge which includes boldly sweet flavors and a beautiful smooth, creamy, and velvety texture. Vegan option available.
29. Fried Sweet Plantains
They’re easy to make and absolutely delicious, with a caramelized outside and a sweet, tender inside. Perfect as a side, snack, or even dessert. Completely Vegan + Gluten-free.
30. Jamaican Pineapple Upside Down Cake
This mouthwatering fruity dessert features a moist and spiced cake base adorned with a crown of caramelized pineapple chunks and toasted pecans. Nut-free option.
31. Jamaican-inspired Coconut Rum Cake
This dessert is like a vacation in every bite, packed with the tropical flavors of coconut + a hint of rum. Gluten-free option.
32. Jamaican Inspired Rum Raisin Bread
Fluffy + soft with deep flavors of cinnamon, naturally sweetened, and 100% vegan! It takes less than 10 minutes to make and offers a healthy and nutritious breakfast option with just the right amount of sweetness.
33. Jamaican Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
It comes drenched in island-y flavors from the lime, coconut, banana, and optional rum extract; topped with warm banana slices, coconut flakes, and toasted pecans. Fully Vegan + Gluten-free.
34. Jamaican Pineapple Smoothie
You’ll love this healthy smoothie recipe for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Dairy-free option.
35. Jamaican Vegan Peanut Punch
This Vegan version boasts its creaminess, velvetiness, nuttiness, and generous play on warming spices and a hint of oats. Blender-free option!
36. Jamaican Rum Punch Mocktail
Boasting of notes of citrus, tropical, and spices, this mocktail is a must have drink for the warmer days ahead. Super easy to make and can be spruced up with actual rum for any special occasion.
37. Traditional Vegan Jamaican Carrot Juice
This creamy juice has the perfect amount of sweetness and warmness from delicious spices.
38. Jamaican Rum Cream
This version is made with an alcohol-free option, sweet, creamy ingredients, coconut notes, and chocolate syrup, and topped with your choice of shaved chocolate or extra chocolate syrup. What could be better? Dairy-free option available.
Bonus Jamaican Seasonings
I love keeping these on hand and making big batches to easily add some fresh Jamaican flair to my dishes.
39. Homemade Jerk Dry Rub Seasoning
Jerk seasoning is so versatile that it enhances the taste of everything, from chicken to fries, and beyond. Get ready to elevate your homemade dishes with this flavor-packed gem! Vegan, Nut-free + Gluten-free
40. Traditional Jamaican Green Seasoning
It's herby, spicy, and incredibly versatile, perfect for marinating meats, seasoning stews + soups, or adding a punch to vegetarian dishes. Vegan, Nut-free + Gluten-free
41. Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Marinade
This fiery, aromatic blend brings a zesty, tropical kick to your meats + more, perfect for grilling, roasting, or adding a bold touch to any dish. Completely Gluten-free. Less or More Spicy Options.
42. Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce
This Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce is a flavor-packed concoction, boasting a blend of garlic, ginger, chilies, raw honey, pimento berries, and more. It's a fiery condiment that brings both heat + depth of flavor to your dishes. Completely Dairy-free, Vegan + Gluten-free. Make-ahead, freezer-friendly + less spicy option.
Jamaican Cooking Tips!
Here are some handy tips + tricks I've picked up during my time cooking Jamaican food that will make your culinary journey a lot smoother--
Invest in good jerk seasoning: --- Jerk seasoning is a quintessential part of Jamaican cuisine. You can buy a store-bought one OR make your own homemade jerk seasoning, it's simple, easy and the best part is how fully customizable it is!
Marinate for authentic flavor --- When cooking jerk dishes like chicken or pork, marinate your meat in jerk seasoning for at least a few hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and gives you that characteristic spicy-sweet taste.
Use scotch bonnet peppers wisely --- Scotch Bonnet peppers are hot! Be cautious when handling them; wearing gloves can prevent accidental burns. Adjust the amount you use according to your spice tolerance, or even consider removing the seeds for milder heat.
Slow + low for the best results --- When cooking dishes like stew or curry, low and slow is the way to go. These dishes benefit from long, gentle simmering, which helps tenderize tough cuts of meat and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Love Using Jamaican Herbs + Spices?
If you're anything like me and love exploring natural remedies, you're in for a treat. Check out my list of Jamaican herbs you should always keep on hand, along with some amazing remedies! Growing up in a Jamaican household, I got to know a bunch of fantastic Jamaican spices. These spices aren't just for making tasty dishes; they also have some incredible healing properties!
That's A Wrap!
I hope y'all had a blast checking out my lineup of Jamaican Recipes You Have To Try! Jamaican cuisine is all about the good vibes + bold flavors, and I wanted to share a taste of that with you.
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